Aims

By the end of the course, the student will be able to give a historical overview (focussing on the 20th century) of the modalities of the different conceptions of art history and its teaching: critical description of procedures, the principles on which they are based, and the methods used in elaborating the contents of the discipline. To bring students to an awareness of the epistemological issues related to the aims of courses in art history.

Main themes

To approach the elaboration of art history as an evolutionary process developed across the centuries through different conceptions. Ways of understanding art are determined by the socio-cultural conditions of an epoch and by the evolution of stages in human knowledge. To give a historical survey of the different conceptions of art history while establishing a critical commentary of the changes in mindset linked to the evolution of our vision of the world. To bring to light and compare the methodological principles at the basis of art historical theories.

Content and teaching methods

To approach the elaboration of art history as an evolutionary process developed across the centuries through different conceptions. Ways of understanding art are determined by the socio-cultural conditions of an epoch and by the evolution of stages in human knowledge. To give a historical survey of the different conceptions of art history while establishing a critical commentary of the changes in mindset linked to the evolution of our vision of the world, especially in the 20th century. To analyse the methodological principles at the basis of the theory and teaching of art history by comparing encyclopaedias from the beginning of the century with current publications, including those on Internet. Bringing to light of problems related to the teaching and transmission of art history and aesthetics: what values and what kind of knowledge can we attribute to them? What role should teachers and transmitters of these disciplines play?

Methods
Compulsory seminar for students enrolled in the agrégation, optional for others. 15 hours in groups of 20 students.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment
Assessment method: individual written assignment elaborated progressively and discussed during seminar meetings. Interview to discuss the assignment.

Course Materials
Documents distributed during the seminar meetings.

Other credits in programs